Experimental Investigation on the Compressive Behaviour of Clay Brick Masonry Columns Confined by BFRP or Steel Wires

This paper presents the results of an experimental research aiming to investigate on the compressive behavior of full size clay brick masonry columns reinforced with Basalt Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (BFRCM) or with steel wires collaring. Uniaxial compressive tests were performed on eight retrofitted columns and four control specimens. Two masonry strength were considered by varying the mortar grade. Results are presented and discussed in terms of axial stress-strain relationships, failure modes and crack patterns of the specimens tested up to failure. For the limit of investigated variables, comparisons with unreinforced specimens show the ability of these alternative techniques in increasing ductility with limited strength enhancements, even if further investigations should be addressed on detail effectiveness and scale effect.